23-year-old University of West Alabama student dies nearly one year after lung transplant

Almost one year after a successful double lung transplant, Gordo native Libby Hankins has died.

Hankins was being treated at Duke University Hospital Durham, North Carolina, after being admitted in February for problems with her body rejecting the new lungs. She died Friday afternoon.

"I am completely broken and don't have the words to say even how I feel," close family friend Laurel Campbell, who often made the trip to Duke to see Hankins since her hospitalization, said.

At age 2, Hankins was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis-- a life-threatening disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Throughout her life, she was treated at Children's Hospital and UAB Hospital for several bronchoscopies, more than 20 surgeries, and other procedures.

After graduating high school, she persuaded her parents to let her move to Livingston and attend the University of West Alabama. There she joined a sorority, became an ambassador and a college cheerleader -- earning the spot of cheer captain in 2015. She was also the school's Homecoming queen.

Campbell said in 2015 Hankins was diagnosed with a bacterial infection, which was the "worst bacteria someone with CF can contract." Her body grew resistant to antibiotics, and she was put on the waiting list for a double lung transplant.

After recovering at Duke for several months, Hankins moved back to Alabama where she began student teaching. She planned to graduate from UWA on May 6, with a degree in special education.

In late February, Hankins' body began rejecting her new lungs. She was quickly taken back to Duke, where doctors discovered a virus in her lungs.

A Facebook Group, titled Lungs for Libby, was started before Hankins received her new lungs to keep her many friends and family updated on her condition. After Hankins returned to Duke, people turned to the page for updates on her deteriorating health. Campbell provided daily updates, sometimes even twice a day, to thousands of followers who were praying for Hankins.

The group currently has over 46,000 members, many of who never met Hankins. Hundreds of those members post daily prayers or words of inspiration for the young woman and her family.

"Please keep us all in your prayers," Campbell said. "If you're around her for two minutes, she changes your life."